Diff swap for 535 5 spd

[Carlos Meyers]

Need to replace diff on my 535 – 5 spd. 92/130,000mi M30 (the bearings went bad). The cheapest way is to swap my 3.46 diff with a used one. Labor will cost me $200.

Can I use diff from a 750 – auto ? or a 735 auto ?
Locking or unonlocking ?
How reliable will a used Diff be ? I plan to keep the car for a few more years ! Where to buy. I leave in Texas

I would be nice to get into a higher ratio – say 3.73 or 3.91


Thanks in advance for response.


The bearings went bad at 130,000 mi : There are metal fillings in diff oil, and can hear rattle even when in neutral leading to my suspicion that pinion is bad also, therefore cost decision to swap diffs.


carlosmeyers@hotmail.com
281 355 8265

[Martin in Bellevue]

I put a 3.64:1 limited slip from an early 525 e34 into my 535 5 speed e34. I had to have the front piece swapped by a driveline shop for ~$70. It wasn't hard to swap in the new differential in the garage, using jackstands. I put new output O rings in with new fluid. 3.73's seem to be rare for these cars. A 3.91 might be a bit short for the m30 & its 5 speed.

[632 Regal]

I have been trying to get someone to swap it out...really!